750ml bottle, 11.8%abv, bottle #3427 of 11,248 produced.
This is really, really nice. Although quite strong, the strength doesn't overwhelm at all, and it's quite easy to drink. Vanilla and toffee notes are most prominent (along with the malt), with the cherries present but subtle. Also a hint of sourness that adds a nice complexity and balance.
This is a great beer from a midwest brewery I'd never heard of. Highly recommended.
Updated to add:
Tracie says "two thumbs up!" too.
It's sweet. It's salty. It's both greasy and delicate. It is awesome.
I've already eaten one, this one is for dessert after we get back from dinner. It's taking all my restraint to keep from devouring it immediately...
In reality, tonight was the semi-annual downtown wine stumble here in Corvallis. I'm currently waiting for some pizza to help sober up some. Good times!
This is a great Tripel. Wonderful malt profile with all the right Belgian notes.
Not feeling particularly wordy tonight, so: yum!
275ml bottle, 11.5%abv
Not sure about this one. I'd hoped that since it's been aged for four years it would be nice and dry, but it's not. It smells sweet, it tastes sweet, and it finishes sticky sweet.
First impression: meh. Lots of alcohol, some decent wine- or sherry-like notes, but too unbalanced for me. If it improves as it warms I'll update the post.
Update: It's getting better. There are some pleasant spicy hints coming out as it warms that are balancing it out a bit. There are definitely lots of dried-fruit notes that dominate, but the spice is a nice complement.
Oh, and I looked up what "Calvados" is -- I assumed it was some sort of liquor, but didn't know what kind. It's apple brandy. Having never tasted it, I don't know what it's lending to the beer. I'll take their word for it that it's doing something.
Le Merle is a saison -- a Belgian style farmhouse ale. I've enjoyed the North Coast beers I've tried, and this one is no exception.
Appearance is crystal clear and light gold in color, with a thick white head that lingers nicely. Carbonation is high, with continuous bubble-ation from the bottom of the glass.
Aroma is earthy with subtle fruit notes and mild hops.
Flavor is also a bit earthy with lots of malt and a nice fruitiness.
Finishes surprisingly dry with a hint of lingering warmth.
Very nice beer.
10%abv, 22oz bottle.
I've had a cold, and my sense of smell still hasn't recovered, but this beer still smells great. Subtle hop aroma, lots of malt, and some great toffee notes with a hint of alcohol.
Flavor is also great. The hops are more prominent, but it's still all about the malt and alcohol warmth. A really nice big beer.
Yummeh!
